LIHEAP Massachusetts

LIHEAP in Massachusetts

Living in a New England state means long, cold winters. LIHEAP is there to help low-income families make it through the winter without losing the precious electricity or gas needed to heat the home. LIHEAP is the Low-Income Energy Assistance Program funded by the US Department of Human Services. Funds are divvied out to states who then distribute those funds to residents who qualify based on income and family size. There are different income qualifications for each state. Massachusetts LIHEAP is based on 60% of the state median income, which is estimated at $100,058. Increased median income means residents can earn more and still qualify for LIHEAP. Utility companies working with LIHEAP in Massachusetts include:

• Bay State Gas
• Berkshire Gas
• Citizens Energy
• City of Boston
• Essex County Gas
• KeySpan Energy Delivery
• Littleton Electric Light
• Massachusetts Electric
• Middleborough Gas and Electric
• NSTAR
• Nantucket Electric
• North Attleborough Electric
• Unitil/Fitchburg Gas and Light
• Western Massachusetts Electric

Massachusetts LIHEAP Assistance

The assistance provided by LIHEAP touched more than 204,000 households in 2011. With nearly $100 million in funding for 2012, Massachusetts LIHEAP is on track to help even more families this year. Heating and crisis applications are accepted between November 1 and April 30 each year. There is no mention of cooling assistance provided in Massachusetts. The minimum benefit for residents of Massachusetts is $310, but certain applicants will receive the maximum benefit of $515. If your heating bills are more than the benefit provided by LIHEAP, there may be other community agencies available to help with low-income energy assistance.

LIHEAP Application & How to Apply

Residents of Massachusetts need to contact the local community action agency designated by the Massachusetts Department of Housing and Economic Development. The contact phone number for the department is 1-800-632-8175. Applications are taken on a first come first served basis. Once the funding for the calendar year runs out, there is no additional LIHEAP funding until the following year. Applicants must reapply each year.

LIHEAP Eligibility – Am I Eligible?

Do you need to know if you qualify for LIHEAP? The following income guidelines are used to qualify applicants for LIHEAP. If you meet these income guidelines, contact your local Department of Human Services or the action agency in your county for a LIHEAP application.

If more than six persons live in your home, you’ll need to adjust the total income allowed. The state median income is $100,058. 60% of $100,058 is $60,035. With six persons living in the home, you are allowed to earn 132% of $60,058 or $79,246. Each additional family member increases the total amount you can earn by 3%. A family of seven, therefore, can earn up to 135% of $60,058 or $81,078.